I’ve finally reached a brick wall where I can’t just find something on Printables/Thingiverse that I can modify for my use case. Until now, I’ve been able to find something close and use OrcaSlicer to make small adjustments or occasionally kit bash two models together.
Now, it seems, I need to design something from scratch.
I’ve had Blender recommended, but I just cannot make sense of it no matter how many Youtube videos make it look so easy.
I’ve also got FreeCAD installed but am still getting my bearings and nothing has come of it yet.
So, recommendations? The only limitations are that it has to run on Linux and not be a cloud service. I’m willing to pay for a license if need be but no SaaS or having to fight with Wine to get it going.
Well, switching the mouse navigation mode got me further and less frustrating than before, so progress I suppose! The default “CAD” navigation was hell to use with my trackball since the DPI button is right below the wheel and wheel + button to free rotate the model was just awkward on so many levels. OpenCascade seems to be the sweet spot.
I’ll stick with it. Was just hoping there was something more for dummies like me lol.
Look up Mango Jelly on youtube for excellent tutorials on FreeCAD use. He has extensive videos to learn from.
Freecad is horrible in terms of ux, but otherwise very powerful and worth the time investment, IMO. Keep at it, I think it will pay off for you in the long run.
The UX is getting better In addons search for the Open Light or Open Dark themes and install them. The 1.1 RC are far smoother to use.
For me I’m a big fan the of Pie Menu addon. I can create custom pie menus as needed with the tools I want. It allows fast working with the tools I mostly use right at the point of work.